John Evans on the Task of Preaching

“You should firstly,” began John Evans, “endeavor to enlighten the minds of your hearers. No real profit will be obtained while the mind is still dark. Then, seek to awaken guilty and sleepy consciences. Aim those darts which are found in the Word at their hearts, and watch to see if it pleases God to bless such means to their awakening, causing them to cry out as the multitudes on the day of Pentecost: ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?’ Next, you should strive in every sermon, to win their affections and draw them to love Christ and the treasures of the gospel. And lastly, be sure that all your sermons emphasize the need for a holy life and conversation.”